Joni Ernst on Abortion

Protecting most vulnerable is important measure of society

We'll defend life, because protecting our most vulnerable is an important measure of any society. Congress is back to work on your behalf, ready to make Washington focus on your concerns again.
We know America faces big challenges. But history has shown there's nothing our nation, and our people, can't accomplish.

Source: GOP response to the 2015 State of the Union address
, Jan 20, 2015

Human life begins at conception

Question topic: Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.

Ernst: Strongly Agree

Question topic: Should abortion be allowed under extenuating circumstances? If so, what circumstances?

Affordable access to contraception

Braley supports access to abortion. Ernst opposes abortion. That led to a fierce back-and-forth where Braley said Ernst introduced legislation that would've banned all forms of abortion and prevented certain forms of contraception.

Ernst responded that the amendment Braley referenced "would not do any of the things that he stated it would do. That amendment is simply a statement that I support life."

"I always stand with our women on affordable access to contraception," added Ernst, who stood on a seven-inch riser to put her at eye level with her opponent. "That's something that
Congressman Braley has been trying to mislead our women voters on. I do believe in a woman's right to contraception."

Personhood amendment is a statement of pro-life principle

Ernst, a state senator since 2010, was prodded to explain several positions she staked out on her way to winning the Republican primary in June, such as supporting a Personhood amendment.

Ernst defended her support for a
Personhood amendment to the Iowa Constitution. Braley attacked Ernst for supporting the measure in the state legislature, which he said would allow doctors to be prosecuted for terminating pregnancies.
That amendment is simply a statement that I support life." She added that she supports "a woman's right to contraception."

No taxpayer funding for abortion; protect the unborn

Protecting Innocent Life: Joni believes life begins at conception, that all innocent life is precious, and that we must cherish and protect the unborn.
Joni opposes any taxpayer funding of abortion and has a record as a strong, proven defender of innocent life during her tenure in the state legislature.